Bustos announces support for Violence Against Women Act

Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) announced strong support for reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Originally passed 19 years ago, VAWA gave law enforcement officials and communities the resources they need to help prevent domestic abuse and keep women and families safe.

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Aledo Times Record - Aledo, IL

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Posted Jan. 28, 2013 at 9:03 AM
Updated Jan 28, 2013 at 9:05 AM

Posted Jan. 28, 2013 at 9:03 AM
Updated Jan 28, 2013 at 9:05 AM

Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) announced strong support for reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Originally passed 19 years ago, VAWA gave law enforcement officials and communities the resources they need to help prevent domestic abuse and keep women and families safe.

“Fighting for the people of Illinois’ 17th Congressional District is my top priority, and that starts with making sure our communities stay safe places to raise families,” said Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. “As a reporter who also happened to be a mother of three sons, I uncovered shocking stories of child abuse that made me realize the importance of giving law enforcement officials the resources they need to keep families safe. That’s why I’m a strong supporter of this bill to reauthorize and strengthen the Violence Against Women Act.”

Last year, the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan reauthorization of VAWA, with key provisions strengthening the law. However, House leadership refused to bring this bipartisan bill to the floor, and VAWA failed to secure reauthorization last Congress. Failure to enact this bill again would deprive women, children and families across Illinois vital protections against abuse and law enforcement of essential tools to combat violence.